Otavi
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Otavi is a small agricultural town in northern Namibia, and also the name of a constituency of Otjozondjupa Province. The population of the constituency is 11,620 (2001 census).
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[edit] Overview
Along with the communities of Tsumeb to the northeast, and Grootfontein to the east, the town of Otavi is part of the "Otavi Triangle". This geographical configuration is sometimes referred to as the "Golden Triangle" or the "Maize Triangle", due to the cultivation of maize and wheat in the area. All three towns in the "Triangle" are roughly 60 km from each other. Also in the vicinity are the Otavi Mountains, which are known for their mineral wealth.
On July 1, 1915, the German Army was defeated at Otavi by South African troops; on July 9 they surrendered nearby and signed the Khorab Peace Treaty. There is a memorial to this event a few miles outside of Otavi.
[edit] Transport
Otavi is a railway junction where the line to Tsumeb branches off the line to Grootfontein. The B1, the main road going North and South through Namibia runs right through Otavi, about a 3 1/2 hour drive from the capital, Windhoek.
[edit] Economy
Much of the city's economy relies on the two grocery stores, a mill, 2 banks, two gas stations, and many surrounding game/cattle farms, as well as a handful of other small business. The owners of most of these businesses are Afrikaaner (white Africans of Boer heritage) or Germans. However, there is hope that as the new generation of educated black Namibians come of age, they will have a more positive impact on the economy of this small town and other towns across Namibia. At that point, there will hopefully be a fruitful collaboration between the remaining white settlers and the local black population. This will be critical for future of the Namibian people.
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